Probably a 3.5. Speaking as someone who has been a journalist, the portrayal is not without flaws, but its pretty good. Field is a little too naive at times, given how savvy she is at others, and she dresses better than any full time journalist I've ever met.

Other than that, not bad.

I agree with Genghis. This was a great example of investigative journalism gone too far. Paul Newman's character got them all in the end, however.

This was a good characterization of the pitiless character assassination and personal destruction committed by the modern press.

Perhaps the most real, in human flaws and virtues, of all screen journalists. Field was able to reveal from Kurt Luedtke's excelent script the imperfections and risks that those who engage in a stressful and socially hazardous occupation must keep in check, both personal and professional.